Em Satya

Nono

(b. 1952, Cambodia)

Em Satya always drew as a child, and as he grew older he studied at the University of Fine Arts during the Lon Nol government (1973-1974). His comics had first appeared in the 1960s, taking inspiration from the style of French and the colour of Indian comics. After the Khmer Rouge era Em Satya hoped to continue his study but found it difficult to find the opportunity, and learned many of his skills directly on the job. His first employer was the Ministry of Youth, Education and Sport, and was soon followed by numerous jobs for both public and private organizations. Beginning in 1987 he drew about 10 comics, distinguished by a simple "Clear Line" sensibility and strong life drawing skills. He is best known as Nono, the pseudonym under which he drew caricatures and political cartoons for newspapers in the 1990s. In 2006 he published the graphic novel 'Flower of Battambang'.